Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment

The Hon Mark Coulton MP

Latin America Down Under (LADU)

Media release

16 May 2018

Tonight I will deliver the keynote address at the annual Latin America Down Under Conference (LADU) Ministerial Dinner in Perth.

LADU brings together senior government representatives from Latin America and Australian businesses with interests in the region’s mining sector. Australian mining, equipment, technology and services (METS) companies have innovative solutions for Latin America’s mining sector, including expertise in remote mining, automation, digital data, community engagement, environmental management and mine remediation and closure.

The Government is delivering three major trade agreements that will transform our relations with Latin America.

In March 2018, Australia signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP-11) with eleven Asia-Pacific countries, including Mexico, Chile and Peru. The TPP-11 opens the door for Australian companies to participate in Mexico’s energy sector for the first time.

In February 2018 the Peru-Australia Free Trade Agreement (PAFTA) was signed, which will eliminate tariffs on coal, base metals (iron ore, copper and nickel), mineral fuels and mineral oils once the agreement enters into force.

FTA negotiations with the Pacific Alliance (Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru) were launched in July 2017. Negotiations have made good progress to date and we expect this momentum to continue at the fourth negotiating round which is currently underway in Ottawa. Together with our existing FTA with Chile, once implemented these agreements will provide a gateway to Latin America and expand opportunities for the Australian mining industry and the broader business community.